Scrutineers are only in the counting venue to represent the candidates and must not control counting, says NCD Regional election manager Alwyn Jimmy.
Jimmy made this call following the issue with scrutineers last night, which delayed counting for four hours.
Scrutineers raised issues regarding the presiding officer not present at the counting venue.
Jimmy told Loop PNG that there were also other minor unnecessary issues raised by scrutineers during the counting process that wasted counting time.
He explained that by law, scrutineers are not allowed to touch ballot papers. By law, scrutineers who try to disturb the counting process can be removed from the venue.
Jimmy said they managed to work with the scrutineers and sort out these issues.
Counting is now progressing well with over 50 ballot boxes expected to be completed by today.